Attorneys got man off Death Row

Michael Tenzer and Richard Rosenbaum were honored for getting convicted murderer Omar Loureiro off Death Row.

The award is named for the late Gulkin, a respected defense attorney, former prosecutor and judge who took on tough cases. Each year, the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers votes to honor a lawyer who exemplifies integrity, honesty and professionalism.

Loureiro, 48, was twice convicted of murdering James Lentry, 57, in Lighthouse Point. He was sent to Death Row after the first trial but allegations emerged that the former judge on the case, Ana Gardiner, and the former prosecutor, Howard Scheinberg, dined together and joked about the case during the trial.

Attorneys later found out the two also exchanged hundreds of phone calls and texts. Gardiner left the bench rather than face a misconduct complaint regarding the allegations. Scheinberg went into private practice.

Loureiro was again convicted of first-degree murder in a second trial but he was sentenced to life in prison in July after a jury recommended the lesser punishment.